utilise data to ensure strategies are based on an awareness of the target group's current behaviours and preferences, attitudes, motivations and barriers

ensure local expertise is available so that strategies are based on a realistic understanding of what is needed to encourage the population to change its behaviour

ensure strategies are evaluated and monitored over time (where appropriate, control groups should be used)

use an appropriate tool to establish the cost effectiveness of strategies (e.g. the World Health Organisation's Health economic assessment tool (HEAT) for cycling and walking).

While behaviour change programs will be helpful in promoting walking, they should be seen as 'the icing on the cake' of the council role. It is most critical to ensure that walking is supported through a council's planning and transport management functions.